Two girls in Gaza, on the edge of womanhood themselves, are helping to break down the gender barrier through the simple act of surfing. Photo: Johna Klebenov
Not a day goes by that I don’t thank the universe for dropping me into the life of a surfer. Kelly Slater once said, “Surfing is sort of like the mob; once you are in, you are in for life.” It’s one of those sports that tattoos itself upon your soul. While at its worst, surfing can be an aggressive, insular, and territorial sport, there is no denying that most surfers dwell together in a collective brother-and-sisterhood of stoke. Ask any wave rider to describe what surfing means to them and you will usually hear a handful of common responses: that there is nothing like it; that it is the closest we can get to flying; and, indeed, many will say that it is the ultimate feeling of freedom.
Becoming proficient takes perseverance, positivity and people to show you the way. Being an American born surfer girl, I have been blessed with all of these opportunities and with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness just for being in the right place at the right time. Viewing the world through the eyes of someone without the same freedoms reinforces how lucky I am – not just to be a surfer – but to live in a country where dreams are encouraged, individualism is applauded, and where (although we don’t always get it right) we keep striving towards that greater good.
A different view is exactly what I saw in a recent email update from the folks at Surfing for Peace (S4P). Founded in 2005, by world-renowned surf ambassador Doc Paskowitz, S4P is a “community of concerned surfers and supporters” helping to bridge political and cultural boundaries between surfers in the Middleast. In 2007, S4P successfully hand-delivered their first gift of 15 surfboards to the Erez border crossing (the main Israeli checkpoint into Gaza) and through the years have continued their support with help from donors and the Gaza Surf Relief project.
The recent news from S4P is a somewhat miraculous second chapter to their story. Since the development of surfing in Gaza, two young female cousins from Gaza City, Shoruq and Rawan Abo Ghanem, have been learning to surf, too. While living in one of the most conservative societies for women, these girls, on the edge of womanhood themselves, are helping to break down the gender barrier through the simple act of surfing.
S4P is working diligently to help Shoruq and Rawan become Gaza’s first female surfers but their needs extend beyond just surfboards. In order to have their water time, the girls need to wear Islamic swimwear that meets social requirements. S4P has devised a well-thought out, collaborative plan that incorporates young designers from Parsons The New School School For Design with an advisory board that includes aspiring Palestinian designers and pro female surfers. The gear will be modeled and tested by local surfers. During the summer of 2011, S4P will deliver the socially/surf-friendly suits to the girls along with boards and wetsuits so that they can continue to pursue their dreams.
In a world where global problems often seem insurmountable, here is a chance to make a tangible difference in two young lives that could potentially fan out and help mobilize equality for many others. Learn more about The Gaza Surfer Girl Project here: Surfing 4 Peace/The Gaza Surfer Girl Project.
